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This one spot in Rio Rancho in the same square as Namaste seems to have terrible luck. From Pastrami, Sushi, and the last Mexican have all failed. I went by there in the afternoon and found with surprise that a New Mexican Restaurant, El Agave opened up 3 days ago. I believe the chef is the brother to the chef at a Mexican restaurant in Santa Fe and these folks are ready to cook to please us. The Family Plata was very impressed. I tried a combo that was a massive amount of food. The Chile rellenos were really good and different, not fried. Senorena Plata said she would get that next time with the Diabla Shrimp she claimed to be deliciously Spicy. They have some kinks to get through but I feel they just might make it, especially if the Friends of Gil make it down and give their support. Maybe you might get get churros on the house just because. Let me know your thoughts…

Gil – If you are ever in Las Vegas (NM), you might like to try the El Fidel Restaurant They have their menu online, so you can look at it first. They are spotty in their cooking. I thnk it depends on who’s the chef that day. When they are “on”, though, they are “right on”.

If you are still looking for fried chicken from a mom and pop place, I have just the answer for you. Shorty’s BBQ in Moriarty. The wife and I had been trying to go there for quite some time as we had heard they had good food there, but always seemed to go when it is closed (probably because it is not open on Sundays, and that is when the wife and I take our Sunday drives…J).

Anyway, we finally got the hours (Tues – Sat 11-9 Summer/Tues – Sat 12 – 8 Winter) and made it this past Saturday. The best fried chicken I’ve had in a very long time. It is broaster fried which makes the skin nice and crispy (not a lot of breading) while leaving the meat tender and juicy. The wife had the BBQ Beef sandwich. It was so-so. The BBQ sauce leaves a little to be desired, it is not horrible, just nothing to get excited about. If you go, I suggest the chicken. The family that sat next to us had ordered hot wings. They looked good, but I’ll have to try them next time.

NM FwF went to Cafe Bella after an uneventful lunch elsewhere and I kick myself for not saving myself for the Chicken Panini special, I will have to hold off on that review another time. But, I can say I had a nice large cup of coffee that way beats anything from Starbuck (generally gives me heartburn). Look forward to going back for breakfast or lunch and another cup of coffee (rumors are a form of Stevia, an organic sugar substitute may be offered that I think would really add to the pretty cool ambience that exists). I walked out thinking that a Kiva fireplace may add to its charm, especially when it chilly in the am as it is now. I wish Michael well with this venture…

NM FwF went to Latitudes in Rio Rancho just about across from Intel and Don Chalmers. I think they opened too soon and should have worked the bugs out of the process rather than applying that to those that showed this week. They were still putting signs up on the wall and stocking shelves that seemed mostly empty. My roast beef sandwich was very much Arby-ish and they forgot the Au Jus which if I got it too go would not be great. Also, if you go, do the Rewards before you pay, they dont give you any points afterwards. May give it another try, the concept is good for those working late hours but more work needed to be bring the returning Sr Plata…

I’d love to hear your opinion on the food at Pro’s Ranch Market, Gil. I have visited three times in the past two weeks and I am now addicted to their street tacos, aguas frescas, chichirrones and pan dulce. This place is absolutely a foodie paradise!
Best,
Ryan

Love the site. Gotta do Ruidoso. Cafe Rio is probably the most unique restaurant out there, and everything is great. Go for the spicy breadsticks and the kitchen sink pizza. Hell just try everything, you will love it. Casa Blanca is also very good. And dont forget the texas club!

Hi. I love your website and check regularly to see what you suggest. Keep up the great work!

Here are a couple of ideas for Taos–you have to try Love Apple. It’s been open since last summer, housed in an old church on Paseo del Pueblo Norte just north of town. Fresh, creative New Mexican plus international cuisine–many with a flavorful “twist”–but not contrived at all. Very Taos and very cool. Very good food. Nice, well priced wine list, too.

You also must, must, must try the Taos Diner! Their red and green are terrific. The food is fresh, organic, hearty, well-prepared and really, really delicious. The staff is really friendly, too.

Antonio’s has reopened. We dined there a couple of weeks ago and it was outstanding. Very good price point, too. Lovely ambiance. Can’t wait for the patio to open.

Always enjoy reading your take on various restaurants. Found two this past weekend that were fabulous and thought you might want to hear about them. First in Angel Fire was a place named The Roasted Clove (http://www.roastedclove.com) I’d call it fine dining with a great wine list. Everything we had was terrific and I would go back tomorrow if it were here in Albuquerque. The other spot was in Taos and was equally wonderful. It was called Gutiz and bills itself as Latin/French Fusion cuisine. The paella and “pot pie” were jawdroppingly good! Don’t think they have a website. You need to check them both out!

Hi Gil,
I love your site, but see that you don’t have any restaurants listed in Catron County. I suggest you get out of town and try the best, “The Adobe Cafe & Bakery, ” which is located 7 miles west of Reserve on US Highway 180. Not only is the food fantastic, but the pastries and coffee drinks are out of this world. You won’t be sorry you made the trip.
Thanks for providing such a wonderful service! Best wishes, -D.